Minimum Nutritional Assessment

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a nutritional assessment tool widely used in the health care of the elderly. Developed by Dr. Vellas and his team at the University of Toulouse in France, this tool assesses the nutritional status of the elderly and helps to identify possible risks of malnutrition.

In this session, we will explore in detail the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), its importance in the elderly, how it is performed and how it can contribute to the well-being of the elderly.

Introduction to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a nutritional assessment tool that has become an essential part of health care for the elderly. It was developed in response to the need to identify malnutrition problems in older adults quickly and effectively. The MNA is widely used in clinical settings, nursing homes and in home care to assess and improve the nutritional status of the elderly.

In the elderly, nutrition plays a critical role in health and well-being. Physiological changes, decreased appetite and reduced mobility can increase the risk of malnutrition in the elderly. The MNA aims to identify those individuals who may be at risk of malnutrition or who are already malnourished, to provide appropriate nutritional interventions and improve their quality of life.

Components of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)

The MNA consists of several components that assess different aspects of an older person's nutritional status. These components include:

• Nutritional status assessment: assesses weight, height, unintentional weight loss, and body mass index (BMI).

• Appetite loss questions: Changes in appetite and food intake are explored.

• Mobility questions: The individual's ability to move and degree of physical activity are assessed.

• Assessment of muscle mass: Checks whether there has been a loss of muscle mass.

• Assessment of perceived health and nutritional status: The individual is asked about his or her perception of health and nutrition.

Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score.

The MNA uses a score ranging from 0 to 30 points. The scores are divided into three main categories:

• Adequate nutritional status (24-30 points): indicates adequate nutritional status.

• Risk of malnutrition (17-23.5 points): Indicates a moderate risk of malnutrition.

• Malnutrition (0-16.5 points): Indicates malnutrition or severe risk of malnutrition.

Application of the NAM and benefits

The MNA is a quick and simple assessment tool that can be administered by health professionals in clinical settings or even by caregivers in the home. Its benefits include early identification of nutritional problems, allowing for timely intervention, improved quality of life, and prevention of malnutrition-related complications such as frailty and decreased functional capacity.

Although the MNA is a valuable tool, it has some limitations. For example, it does not directly assess nutrient intake or underlying medical problems that may contribute to undernutrition. It is important to use the MNA as part of a more comprehensive assessment of the nutritional status and overall health of the older person.